MLB Player News

Thornton was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.

Thornton made a surprise big-league debut with a spot start Wednesday in Washington, and he dealt with some growing pains, giving up four earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three in 4.1 innings. Thornton, a 6-foot-3 lefty, sits 91-92 mph with his two fastballs and threw his 86-mph cutter 50 percent of the time Wednesday. He earned the spot start by logging a 3.16 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 40:12 K:BB in 37 innings across seven starts split between Double-A and Triple-A.

Narvaez isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Minnesota.

Narvaez will pick out a seat on the bench Saturday after notching a base hit and scoring a run in both of his last two games. While he rests, Connor Wong will start behind home plate and bat eighth.

The Blue Jays are hopeful Barger (elbow) will resume hitting and throwing Sunday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Barger dealt with bilateral discomfort in both ankles early in April before landing on the IL with a left ankle sprain April 7. He returned May 9, but then on May 10, right elbow soreness required an MRI and he was placed on the IL with inflammation May 11. If he gets the green light to resume baseball activities, it might not be long before he embarks on another rehab assignment, but so far this has been a lost season for Barger.

Meyers isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cubs.

After going 2-for-11 at the plate in his first three games back from the injured list, Meyers will get a chance to rest Saturday while Brice Matthews starts in center field.

Dezenzo isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game versus the Cubs.

Dezenzo will sit on the bench for a second consecutive game after going 5-for-19 with a walk and seven strikeouts over his last six contests. While he rests, Zach Cole, Brice Matthews and Cam Smith will start across the outfield for Houston.

Vazquez isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cubs.

Vazquez will get a day off Saturday after going 2-for-4 with a homer and an additional RBI during Friday's win. Cesar Salazar will replace him behind the dish and bat ninth.

Happ isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros.

Happ will get a day to clear his head after going 1-for-24 with 14 strikeouts across his last six games. Michael Conforto will fill in as the Cubs' left fielder, opening up the DH spot for Moises Ballesteros.

Leasure was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday.

Leasure, 27, had been at Triple-A for a little over two weeks and has only thrown 4.1 innings in the minors this year. He has a 6.06 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 17:8 K:BB in 16.1 innings out of the big-league bullpen this season.

Hicks was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with a right lat strain.

Hicks had given up five earned runs while walking four and striking out three over two innings in his last three appearances. The move is retroactive to May 21. Jordan Leasure was summoned from Triple-A to take Hicks' place in the bullpen.

Kelly isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Houston.

Kelly will get a breather Saturday after going 3-for-14 with a walk and five strikeouts over his last five games. Miguel Amaya will handle catching duties and bat eighth.